In the '50s, Leo Fender's goal was to build affordable, workingman's instruments by simplifying designs and streamlining production. The result was versatile, expressive guitars that have become ubiquitous across all genres of music. Nevertheless, an interesting consequence of Leo's genius is the mutability of the designs. While parts aren't always 100% interchangeable, players have always experimented with Fender templates. Sometimes when you combine the right parts, you create something unique that tells its own story. This Partscaster was inspired by late-'50s slab-board Strats. It starts with an aged Rock Maple neck from Gleason in Dallas, Texas. It has a Tigerwood fingerboard made to replicate the feel of slab rosewood necks, and with Jescar Medium Jumbo Frets, a modern 12" radius, and rolled edges, it plays clean and fast. The body is an Alder VTS from MJT with a relic Desert Sand finish. To match the finish and complete the late-'50s vibe, this Partscaster has an anodized gold pickguard. For hardware, this Partscaster sports a relic tremolo bridge assembly from Gotoh (with a relic cover, too). The tuning machines are relic nickel six-in-line Klusons. For electronics, this Partscaster is rigged with Fender Pure Vintage '59 Stratocaster pickups with aged covers. It has a pre-wired MojoTone harness—CTS pots, CRL 5-way switch, and a Vitamin T .047 to dial in the tone. Plugged in, this guitar does everything you could want it to—it is versatile and expressive, and the tone is consistent in all five positions. In your hands, this Partscaster is a great player with feel and features you typically only get at custom shop prices. The setup is low and inviting, and this guitar will cover a wide range of sounds. It includes a Fender deluxe molded plastic case with silver exterior and blue interior.
